Friday, October 2, 2015

When is the last time you saw a bit of magic on the runway? The Secret Society of Ex-Mermaids has to be my favorite name for an up-and-coming fashion collection this season. The clothing was a mix of streetwear with whimsical touches.

Designer Francki Harrell worked for established brands like Michael Kors, Issac Mizrahi and Rebecca Taylor before striking out on her own.

You can see designer Harrell's love of illustration in some of her prints and graphics. Iridescent shimmer fabrics and ruffles are paired with edgier separates. Harrell imagines that an ex - mermaid might have a slight transition period from ocean to land and turn to sea-inspired appliques on the chest to replace the pasties they are used to wearing underwater (apparently a trend that Gucci picked up on with their collection a few days later).Other little touches that helped the narrative was the use of bandages on the models knees. I guess a mermaid strolling on land is bound to have a few mishaps.

If Ariel from the Little Mermaid grew up today and had some attitude, she would probably think the Coney island parade was her personal fashion week. The Secret Society of Ex-Mermaids however is where she would shop.